Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/828453
These swollen veins have put a damper on your day for long enough. We asked the questions about these little pains so you don't have to. THE LOW-DOWN ON Hemorrhoids Not everyone is comfortable talking about hemorrhoids, so we got to the bottom of the issue with these questions: What increases your risk for hemorrhoids? They are likely caused by excessive constipation or weight gain. Pregnant women also may be at risk for developing hemorrhoids. Can you feel for hemorrhoids, or how do you know you have this condition and not something else? Hemorrhoids can exist inside and outside of your body, making it hard to tell sometimes if you have them. If sitting feels uncomfortable and you notice other prominent signs, such as constipation and itchiness near your anus, and feel lumps in that area of your body, you are probably experiencing external hemorrhoids. If you notice blood in your stool when you go to the bathroom but do not have other symptoms, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor, who will likely use a scope to inspect your rectum for internal hemorrhoids. You found evidence of hemorrhoids. What do you do now? Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that appear as lumps and are extremely sensitive to the touch. If you have external hemorrhoids, it's typically easy to tell. But with a physical exam your doctor can confirm the diagnosis. Can you treat this at home? Yes, there are many things you can try at home to lessen your symptoms, including: − Using corticosteroid or lidocaine creams for pain. − Eating fiber-rich foods and taking stool softeners to help you go to the bathroom more easily. − Staying regular with your bowel movements — go immediately when you have the urge to go. − Wiping with baby wipes instead of traditional toilet paper. − Taking a 20-minute sitz bath — a warm water bath that covers your seat up to your hip — up to three times a day. You tried everything and nothing is working. What now? Schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor to discuss other treatment options, which may include: Rubber band ligation — or banding the hemorrhoid in order to shrink it. This process may be repeated a few times to completely solve the problem. Hemorrhoidectomy, or surgery to close off direct blood flow to an existing hemorrhoid or even remove it entirely. One cup of raspberries contains 8 grams of fiber! IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE HEMORRHOIDS, TALK TO YOUR PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR. VISIT 4HEALTHIER.ME/TGMG-DOCS TO FIND ONE NEAR YOU. 15 summer 2017 / tgh.org